College Sports Madness Tabs Three Aggies to Preseason All-WAC Softball Team

College Sports Madness announced its preseason all-Western Athletic Conference softball team this week [Jan. 14] and three Utah State athletes were selected as preseason honorees. The staff at College Sports Madness has picked the top softball players in each conference. These players are expected to make significant contributions to their team in the upcoming season.

First-team honors were given to senior infielder Christine Thomsen, who proved to be one of the biggest offensive threats in the WAC her junior season. Thomsen posted a league-leading .418 batting average to go along with only seven strikeouts last season. The senior will continue to pack the punch for the middle of the Utah State offense in 2013.

Receiving second-team honors were senior pitcher Mandy Harmon and sophomore outfielder Hailey Froton.

Harmon will anchor the starting rotation for USU this upcoming season relying on her experience to lead the Aggie pitching staff in 2013. Harmon tallied 100 strikeouts in 139-innings of work last season.

Froton came on strong late last season for Utah State, as she put together a head-turning freshman campaign. Froton registered a .274 batting average last season, which was the third-highest by a USU player. The outfielder will look to continue to progress and help her squad offensively. Froton also has the second most homeruns on her team season with six long balls.

The Aggies will open the 2013 campaign at the Red Desert Classic Feb. 8 in St. George, Utah. Utah State will open the classic with a bout against Southeastern Conference foe Tennessee.

2013 College Madness WAC Preseason All-Conference Teams

Field Player of the Year — Haley Lemons, Texas State

Pitcher of the Year — Amanda Pridmore, San Jose State

Freshman of the Year — Rebecca Stokes, Texas-Arlington

Coach of the Year — Ricci Woodard, Texas State

First Team

P — Amanda Pridmore, San Jose State

P — Anne Marie Taylor, Texas State

P — Teri Lyles, Texas-Arlington

IF — Anna Hernandez, Texas State

IF — Melanie Goff, Louisiana Tech

IF — Bubba Morrow, Seattle

IF — Christine Thomsen, Utah State

IF — Haley Lemons, Texas State

OF — Michelle Cox, San Jose State

OF — Sarah Petosa, Seattle

OF — Brooke Baker, Texas State

UT — Malena Padilla, New Mexico State

Second Team

P — Haylee Staton, Texas-San Antonio

P — Mandy Harmon, Utah State

P — Michelle Jones, Louisiana Tech

IF — Lisa Maulden, Seattle

IF — Megan Low, Texas-San Antonio

IF — Brianna Guerrero, Seattle

IF — Courtney Buchman, Texas-San Antonio

IF — Jessica Garcia, San Jose State

OF — Hailey Froton, Utah State

OF — Rebecca Stokes, Texas-Arlington

OF — Amber Olive, New Mexico State

UT — Kelsey Dodd, New Mexico State

Additional Aggie sports news is available at the Athletics website.